Designation Expected To Bring Many Economic Development Opportunities To The Region
Texas Border Business –
Mission Texas – Led by State Representative Muñoz, local leaders and trade stakeholders met on August 30, 2013 at the Anzalduas International Bridge to discuss the next steps for designation of an Overweight Vehicle Corridor in Hidalgo County.
Passage of HB 474, authored by Representative Sergio Munoz, Jr., authorized the establishment of this corridor and marks a milestone in the region’s economic development efforts. The corridor will also promote safety as businesses begin to utilize the corridor for movement of goods through Hidalgo County.
“This corridor is a key piece of infrastructure needed to promote trade and attract jobs and investments,” stated Munoz. “We know that with the opening of the Durango-Mazatlan Superhighway many produce businessmen will be turning to our region for expedient delivery of products, but we need to have infrastructure such as this corridor in place.”
Truck weight regulations in Mexico are different from those in Texas and businesses transporting goods, many of which are perishable items, from Mexico through Texas currently have to divide loads, across the border before arriving at warehouses in Hidalgo County for final processing and distribution throughout the country.
Other areas in Texas, as well as major produce Ports of Entry such as the Nogales, Arizona commercial Port of Entry have embraced similar corridors.
Businesses with overweight trucks will be required to pay a fee per load to cover road maintenance costs.
“This corridor is a much needed asset for the continued economic development of our region,” shared Keith Patridge, President and CEO of the McAllen Economic Development Corporation. “The corridor, the opening of the Durango-Mazatlan Super Highway in Mexico, our location, and our booming population are all advantages that will allow our area to continue to grow, create jobs, and highlight our escalating role in commerce at the state and national level.”
Pilar Rodriguez, Executive Director of the Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority and Pedro Alvarez, Deputy District Engineer for the Texas Department of Transportation Pharr District provided the group with information about anticipated next steps.
The Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority is expected to be the administrating entity for the corridor. A formal presentation on this project is anticipated at the September 26 Transportation Commission Meeting to be held in McAllen, Texas.
“We are very excited about the implementation of this legislation” said Joaquin Spamer, “For businesses like ours, it makes sense to pay this fee and use our resources to further invest in US facilities”. Spamer is the President of CI Logistics Group. CI Logistics Group is one the companies along the border that offers integrated logistic services including warehousing, customs brokers, distribution, and transportation of industrial, commercial, and perishable products. TBB
